their learning to
develop a comedy routine based on their experiences, which they shared with all those who
attended the final performance. Not only
that, their performances helped raise funds for EAC through the sale of event tickets. Epilepsy Association of Calgary 4112 - 4 Street NW, Calgary AB T2K 1A2
Website: www.epilepsycalgary.com Email: epilepsy.calgary@telusplanet.net
Phone (403) 230-2764 Toll free 1-866-EPILEPSY
Fax (403) 230-5766
Our
Mission: To support independence, quality of life, and
community
participation for people with and affected by epilepsy.
Volume
6 Issue 4
December
2001
Epilepsy Education Month – November 2001
As this article is prepared, we are just winding up our Epilepsy Education Month activities, which were held throughout the month of November. As always, it was a busy month. However, we were able to connect with many segments of the community to raise awareness about epilepsy. This year, in addition to epilepsy awareness, we focused on SUDEP, or sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients to help raise awareness among physicians, health care providers, families, and caregivers about the small, but very real risk this condition may present to affected individuals. A common reaction of affected families has been, “Why were we never told”? In the past, it had been believed within the medical community that providing this information would be too overwhelming and frightening for affected families. However, it is well known that people can handle appropriately presented information and are able to use it to make informed decisions about issues that may affect seizure control. Part of this effort involved the development of a new pamphlet entitled Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy Patients (SUDEP) which was distributed to physicians and health care providers.
We are indebted to volunteer and parent Donna Bernreuther, who
has worked tirelessly to help raise awareness about SUDEP in our community. Donna is a parent who lost her son David as a
result of SUDEP, and she is committed to ensuring other families never have to experience
the devastation she did. With Donna’s
assistance, we put a face to this issue, with the creation of a display board that
highlighted David’s life, and provided some useful information on SUDEP. The display was used at local malls and our
November 25th fund-raising event during the month of November.
Further inspiration for this effort resulted from our
involvement with two junior high schools during the past year, both of which had been
affected by a SUDEP related death. We were
overwhelmed by the efforts made by the students in these schools to turn their pain into
something positive and find a way to remember their friends. Drawing on their strength, we launched a white
ribbon campaign in memory of those who have died as a result of SUDEP, and distributed
them at our education displays. Overall,
these activities were well received.
On the 10th of November, Derek Morris and the Calgary Flames held an Epilepsy Awareness Night at the hockey game in Calgary. Flyers providing epilepsy awareness information were distributed to everyone attending the game. And thanks to Derek Morris, the Calgary Flames Hockey Club, and the Kids Up Front Foundation for the free tickets which enabled may of our program participants to attend and cheer for the Flames while wearing Derek's Barracks caps!
Thanks to all the volunteers who assisted with the range of
activities held throughout the month of November and December!
Thank-You
Tim
Shaw
Sue
Petch
Lyn
Swanberg
Randy
Miehe
Sandy
Freeman
Roy Swanberg
Wendy
Waite
Wally
Bailey
Pat
Biswanger
Lloyd
Redden
Marg
Trotman
Donna Bernreuther
Victoria
Worobetz
Elizabeth Hilton Derek
Morris
Martin
Blanchard
Karen Wood
Bill
Broens
Hyrum
Davidson
Jake
Green
Derek Fyfe
· A
Proclamation from Mayor Dave Bronconnier proclaiming November 2001 as Epilepsy Education
Month
· Electronic
sign messages at various locations around the city
· Distribution
of 2750 Epilepsy Education Month Posters in Calgary and Central Alberta
· Distribution
of a new pamphlet on SUDEP
· A
white ribbon campaign and display board focused on SUDEP and $170.00 was donated to the
Epilepsy Association of Calgary coin cans
· Calgary
Flames – Epilepsy Awareness Night – November 10, 2001 including the distribution
of a flyer featuring Flames player, Derek Morris; a video taped message by Derek Morris
shown at the game; and 40 of our agency participants who attended the game as guests of
the Calgary Flames and Derek Morris
Distribution of a new public service video, “The ABC’s of Seizure Management” to all local television stations in Calgary and Central Alberta. It depicts children assisting a peer with a convulsive seizure. This video is a result of our membership in
· the
Canadian Epilepsy Alliance and we are thrilled that as a result of sharing resources and
working together, this video will help to raise awareness in our community. It will be aired as time permits, so please watch
for it!
· Education
displays held at North Hill Mall, Westbrook Mall, and Mount Royal Village
· Distribution
of media releases and public service announcements throughout the month resulted in
coverage in the Herald, Your City (Herald) interview with Bill Broens who participated in
the comedy show, and the A-Channel Breakfast Show
· Epilepsy – Out of the Shadows – into the
Spotlight Comedy Show, November 25, 2001 at the Blackfoot Inn.
Some Comic Relief to Wrap Up Epilepsy
Education Month
Epilepsy –
Out of the Shadows…into the Spotlight Comedy Show was the final event for Epilepsy
Education Month 2001. This event was held on
November 25, 2001 at the Blackfoot Inn and featured the participants from our recent humor
course, who learned to use and apply humor to their lives as a means of enhancing their
capacity to cope with epilepsy throughout the ten week course. They then used their learning to
develop a comedy routine based on their experiences, which they shared with all those who
attended the final performance. Not only
that, their performances helped raise funds for EAC through the sale of event tickets.
Our hats are off to these individuals – as if coping with epilepsy wasn’t enough, they had to turn their experiences into a comedy
routine, and
get up on stage to present it! Not an easy
task, yet they made it look easy, and provided our audience with a light and humorous look
at epilepsy. Congratulations to our class!
It should be noted that our audience in turn provided such wonderful support and
encouragement to our performers, that it was much easier to be on stage in front of so
many people. Thank you to all whom attended
to cheer our class on! A little extra
comic relief was provided by participants of our first class – glad to see they are
still laughing and helping to spread it around. Thanks
as well to the volunteers who assisted with ticket sales, and at the event – three
cheers for volunteers. And thank you to the
generous sponsors who donated tickets: George Waite, Cheryl Wares, Lois Currie, Kathy
Fyfe, Apache Superior Printers, CIBC Sunridge Blvd Branch, Benner Plumbing, and The Cheers
Project Inc. Finally, many thanks to Melanie and Derek of the Cheers Project, who taught
our class about using humor and comedy, and helped get everyone ready for their big night.
It is our hope
that the class will be offered again in September of 2002, followed by a final event in
November. Watch for details in our
newsletter, or call Kathy at 230-2764 if you would like further information, or to get
your name on the list for the class. In the
meantime, thanks to our class for helping to bring Epilepsy
– Out of the Shadows…into the Spotlight.
The
EAC Christmas Party
Approximately 65 people were in attendance on December 12th for our annual party, or as it became known this year "The Surviving Disaster Party". We certainly developed a few new coping skills when we learned on the morning of the party, December 5th that the City Water Works Department had turned off our water due to a line
break. All the food had been prepared and the volunteers
arrived early in the morning to help with preparations.
However, the volunteers and staff persevered and after joking about our
situation we renamed the event "Surviving Disaster Party" and brainstormed ways
to reincarnate leftover turkey. Our list
included writing a cookbook consisting entirely of recipes using leftovers (turkey!), a
t-shirt with a survivor logo also seemed appropriate.
Thankfully, most of those invited were also able to reschedule at short
notice. We would like to thank all of those
who attended on December 12th and who with their abundance of Christmas Spirit
made the evening enjoyable for all. We would
also like to express our gratitude to our volunteers: Wally Bailey, Thomasin Campbell, Tim
Shaw, Randy Miehe, Donna Bernreuther, Victoria Worobetz, Wendy Waite, Ellen Enriquez,
Elizabeth Hilton, Victoria Neilson, Doug, and Barb. Most
especially we would like to thank our donors - Greg Owen and Thomasin Campbell.
Although
this wish will come to our readers a little late, we wish you all a happy holiday and a
healthy year in 2002. Thanks to humor course
graduate, Abe Hein, for sharing this humorous greeting.
A Christmas Greeting
A worker at a zoo was reprimanded for trying to line
up a bunch of animals that did not belong together.
But he insisted he was only trying to wish everyone a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
He was asked to show how he would do it.
So he lined up the animals in the following order:
A Mare, Egrit, Moose and a Hippo, Mule, Deer!
NEW
LIBRARY ADDITIONS AT THE
EPILEPSY
ASSOCIATON OF CALGARY
"Taking Seizure Disorders to School: A Story About
Epilepsy" by Kim Gosselin, 2001.
A colorful and entertaining children's
book, this is a resource for explaining seizures to adults and children. Deals with myths and fears about epilepsy in a
positive and upbeat way.
"Epilepsy and Seizures" by Dr. Donald Weaver,
2001.
New addition to the "Your Personal
Health Series", covers up-to-date information on epilepsy, including illustrations,
case studies and a resource list. Also
includes discussion of lifestyle issues such as alcohol and drug use, driving, and
relationships.
"Lying Awake" by Mark Salzman, 2000.
Story of a cloistered nun who must make a
decision about whether or not to undergo surgery when diagnosed with epilepsy. At risk are the loss of her "visions"
and status as a spiritual master.
"Safety on the Streets" is a video that was
recently released by the Calgary Police Services in partnership with a number of community
agencies, including the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.
The video provides a wealth of information on the steps that anyone living
with a disability can take to reduce or prevent becoming a victim of a crime when they are
away from their homes. Our own, Mike Nelson,
participated in the video as a volunteer actor. Thus,
we not only have this great new resource, but a star is born! Way to go Mike!
If you would like to view the video, please feel free to call us at
230-2764.
It may take a few extra
minutes to be cautious, but it only takes a few minutes to become a victim of crime. Some of the crime prevention tips offered for
people with disbilities…in Safety on the
Streets are: · Stay
on busy, well-lit streets and avoid alleys and deserted areas of possible. Criminals are more likely to attack if no one is
around. · Carry
your valuables securely. Hold your purse or
use a fanny pack. Don’t leave your
wallet or purse unattended or in a bag at the back of your wheelchair. · If
someone coming towards you intends to grab you belongings, throw them away from your body
so that you will not be hurt. If someone demands you money, give it to him or her. Avoid carrying money |
· money
than you need for the day. Although Calgary is one of the safest major cities in Canada,
many people have concerns about becoming a victim of crime.
More than one in six Albertans suffer from some form of disability. Hearing, seeing, speaking, developmental,
learning, physical, mobility and agility are the most common disabilities. If a person with a disability does become a victim
of crime it is usually as a result of limitations to their body movement or function. "Persons
with disabilities are not more likely to become a victim of crime than people without
disabilities, but may feel more vulnerable. They
should take some extra precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and their
belongings,” says Constable Martin Cull. |
The videos are based on a crime prevention
guide for persons with disabilities called Your
Guide to Safety and Security. Created in
1997 by the Calgary Police Service, the comprehensive guide offers tips on personal
safety, Calgary Transit security, special needs transportation, protecting your valuables,
home security, automobile safety and how to report a crime.
It also gives information about the Victim Assistance Unit.
In 1998, the Calgary Police Service
established the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee. The goal of the committee is to increase police
awareness of issues facing persons with disabilities.
The Disabilities Portfolio, including a liaison officer, was added to the
police services Cultural Resources Unit to improve the relationship between police and
persons with disabilities. The liaison
officer, Constable Martin Cull, is a resource on cases that involve persons with
disabilities. He also promotes effective
two-way commun-ication with the disabled community, education and awareness of issues
related to disabilities and police
For more information about crime
prevention for persons with disabilities and the crime prevention videos, please contact
Constable Martin Cull at 206-8312 or visit the Calgary Police Service website at www.calgarypolice.ca
LAUGHING ALLOWED
HUMOR CORNER
A
Humorous Account of Finding Our Place in the Workforce
Here's a little word play on the
challenges of finding employment! And you
think you've got problems! Enjoy.
My first job was working in an orange juice factory,
but I got canned-couldn’t concentrate.Then I worked in the woods
as a lumberjack, but I just couldn’t hack it, so they gave me the ax. After that, I tried to be a tailor, but I just
wasn’t suited for it, mainly because it was a so-so job. Next, I tried working in a muffler factory, but
that was exhausting. I wanted to be a barber,
but I just couldn’t cut it. Then I tried
to be a chef—figured it would add a little
spice to my life, but I just didn’t have the thyme.
Finally, I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn’t
cut the mustard.
My best job was being a
musician, but eventually I found I wasn’t noteworthy.
I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn’t have any
patients. Next, I thought I was a shoe-in for
a job in a footwear factory; I tried, but I just didn’t fit in, even though it was a
step in the right direction. I became a
professional fisherman but discovered that I couldn’t live on my new income. I thought about becoming a wizard, so I tried that
for a spell.
I managed to get a good job
working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining. I got a job at a zoo feeding giraffes, but I was
fired, because I wasn’t up to it. So
then I got a job in a health club, but they said I wasn’t fit for the job. Next, I found being an electrician interesting,
but the work was shocking.
After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a historian until I
realized there was no future in it. My last
job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quit, because it was always the same old grind.
Source:
http//www.tech-sol.net/humor/one-liner.htm
"The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving."
Goethe
In Memory of Helen Blanchard
Our thoughts are with Martin Blanchard and his family upon hearing of
the loss of his wife, Helen Blanchard, who passed away on September 30, 2001. Some of our readers may know Martin as our
volunteer office assistant on Mondays for the past seven years.
Helen was well known for her energetic participation in the Inglewood
community as well as schools, churches and numerous other organizations.
Helen's smile, her spirit, and her goodness will remain alive in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
HEALTH
& WELLNESS LINKS - SPEAKER SERIES
An
informative series sponsored by Calgary community agencies.
All
sessions run from
7:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
at
the CNIB
15
Colonel Baker Place NE
Free
Admission
(donations
accepted)
Space
is limited! Register now by calling 250-7090
CALM
IN THE EYE OF THE STORM: MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN
January
29, 2002
SELF-ADVOCACY:
WORKING WITH YOUR GOVERNMENT
March
26, 2002
DOC
TALK: INTIMATE EXPRESSIONS
May 28, 2002
The United Way
of Calgary and Area enables donors to designate their gifts to any registered charity in
Canada or to an area of need that is meaningful to them.
Gifts directed to the Epilepsy Association of Calgary in the amount of
$7165.00 were recently received from the United Way of Calgary and Area. Our thanks to everyone who gave so generously to
the United Way of Calgary's Donor Choice Program.
"Never fear the space
between your dreams and reality. If you can
dream it, you can make it so."
Belva Davis
UPCOMING EVENTS
AT THE EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF CALGARY
4112 - 4 Street NW
Adult Support
and Information Meetings
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
January 23
February 27
March 27
April 24
Explore Drama and Theatre
For Teens
12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.
Saturdays
January 19
February 23
March 23
April 20
May 25
Parent Support Group
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Saturdays
February 2
April 27
"No joy can equal the joy
of serving others."
Sai Baba
RESULTS
OF VOLUNTEER FEEDBACK
By Pam
Campbell, Public Education Coordinator
Volunteers enhance and are central to the
programs and services provided by the Epilepsy Association of Calgary. Volunteers participate as board members, in
fundraising activities, and in numerous educational activities. Volunteers bring with them energy, commitment, and
talents from a diversity of backgrounds and skills. Volunteering
comes with it's own set of responsibilities and rights.
One of these is to provide feedback, suggestions, and recommendations if
these might increase the effectiveness of the
programs in which they participate. The
opinions and observations of volunteers are valued. Therefore,
it is important to formalize this process regularly to encourage volunteer feedback. To this end, feedback forms were mailed in June
to all Epilepsy Association of Calgary volunteers, a total of 79 volunteers. The response rate was 17.7% and here are some of
the results:
· the
average length of volunteer involvement is 12.9 years;
· 42.9%
of the respondents volunteer because they have been personally touched by epilepsy -
having a family member or friend with epilepsy or have epilepsy themselves; and
· the
respondents donate on average 84.7 volunteer hours per year.
If you would like further
information, please call Pam at 230-2764.
COIN CAN
FUNDRAISER
The Epilepsy Association of Calgary would like to thank Mac's
Convenience Stores Inc. for the opportunity to place our coin cans in their Calgary stores
during the month of September 2001. A total
of $716.58 was raised. We would also like to
thank our volunteers who delivered and picked up the cans from all the Mac's Stores in
Calgary. And, thanks also to our volunteers
for sorting and rolling coins. Together we
are making a difference!
To
facilitate a link between interested participants, the Epilepsy Association of Calgary
provides a Telephone Support Network Program. For
more information contact our office at 230-2764 and we will try to match you up with
someone who is in the same, or has been, in a similar situation.
CALLING
1-866-EPILEPSY
If you live outside the Calgary and Red Deer local calling areas, you
can now reach us at no cost to yourself at our new toll free number
to ensure that support, information, and answers to your questions
are just a telephone call away.
1-866-EPILEPSY
If you live within the Calgary calling area,
you can reach us at 230-2764.
NEWS FROM RED
DEER - CENTRAL ALBERTA OFFICE
Our support group had a wonderful
Christmas Social on the 6th of December. Tons
of great food, great gifts and great camaraderie was had by all.
The Red Deer Office is running full speed with presentations and educational sessions. The interest in the area has been wonderful and we are happy to meet this need. Our workshop presentation Safety for Persons with Disabilities was very well received in the community, and those in attendance found the information was first quality and very informative. Several groups have expressed interest in borrowing the video that is part of our resource library. In 2002 we hope to have more presentations and workshops (some of these are already in the planning stage) in Central Alberta. Watch for further information.
EPILEPSY
SUPPORT IN RED DEER AND AREA
Support
Group Meetings
Red
Deer Office
Room
204B, 4805 - 48 Street
Phone
358-3358 for information.
7:00
- 9:00 p.m.
Thursdays
January
24
February
21
March
21
April
18
United Way
Thanks for your continued support of the Epilepsy Association of Calgary, Central Alberta Office.
Our resource library has several new books
thanks to funds from the Red Deer and District Community Foundation.
The past two months have been wonderful
and I am looking forward to the New Year and the experience of providing support and
information in Red Deer and the Central Alberta area.
Sharon Dixon, RSW
Program Coordinator
MEMBER/DONOR FORM
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-
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? Annual Membership - $ 20.00
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? Life Membership - - - $200.00
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